Idiopathic diaphragmatic paralysis and asthma bronchiale.

A 38-year-old man suffered from chronic asthma. He also had paralysis of the right diaphragm which had been present for some years. During an acute asthmatic attack following administration of acetyl salicylic acid, a chest roentgenogram revealed hyperinflation of the lungs, especially of the right side. The paralytic diaphragm was pushed down considerably. After treatment of the acute attack of asthma, the diaphragm ascended to its 'normal' place. This case illustrates 'air trapping' in acute asthma and sheds some light on the mechanism behind it, which is discussed.